The following information is general in nature. It should not be used as your entire source of information when working on your vehicle. Details on your particular vehicle can be found in your Haynes repair manual.

Modern electrical systems put big demands on a vehicle's battery. Sometimes a battery will fail with no warning, but usually the first sign of trouble is that the engine is hard to start when cold (the starter motor turns more slowly than usual). This is then followed by a complete failure to start.

There are three main reasons for a battery to go dead. One is age, in which case replacing the battery will cure the problem. The second is leaving the lights on (or even the radio or alarm, if parked for a long time); generally a jump-start will solve the problem - although the life of the battery will be shorter following a complete discharge. The third is a problem with the charging system; replacing the battery won't cure that.

A Haynes Repair Manual gives simple tests so that you can identify the reason for your dead battery.

Once you've decided the battery needs to be replaced, you'll need a new battery of the correct size and capacity to fit your vehicle. While you’re at the parts store, pick up some anti-corrosion spray to put on the battery terminals and a "memory saver." This simple device, run by a small battery, will keep you from losing the presets for electronic components (like the radio) when the battery is disconnected.

Warning: Batteries contain sulphuric acid, which is poisonous and causes burns; they give off hydrogen gas, which is explosive when mixed with air; when charged they contain enough electrical energy to cause burns or fires if short-circuited. Follow all precautions specified by the manufacturer.

STEP 1

Disconnect the cables from the old battery, negative first (look for a '-' sign near the battery terminal). Loosen the clamp nut or bolt - details vary by vehicle - and lift out the battery. Be careful not to drop it, and keep it upright to avoid acid spillage.

STEP 2

Install the new battery, secure it with the clamp and connect the cables, negative last. Protect the terminals against corrosion by spraying them with anti-corrosion spray.

STEP 3

Check that the negative cable connection to the vehicle body is clean and tight. Unbolt it and clean it with a wire brush, if necessary.

Haynes Hints

A loose or broken alternator drivebelt can cause thebattery to go dead.

Most modern batteries are sealed for life, so you can no longer check the electrolyte level.

If you find your battery charge is frequently low due to short trips or long periods of inoperation, an inexpensive “trickle charger” from an auto parts store can keep it fully charged.

Dispose of the old battery responsibly. The lead in thebattery can be recycled.

“ Ever since I bought my first truck, the first thing I got was a Haynes manual. Since that truck, I've owned 5 other vehicles. Without my Haynes
manuals, I wouldn't have got out of some pretty sticky situations. I remember my dad sending me off to pick up my first manual. Ever since then,
they have been a huge life saver!! So you can easily say, I'm a dedicated die hard fan from day one!!Thanks! ”